Pressure adjustable platform system

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a pressure adjustable platform system including a plurality of bladders, a base plate, and a connection plate, such as, for instance, a gasket plate. A plurality of fluid channels are incorporated into the base plate, and the fluid channels interconnect the bladders to a sensor such as a pressure or force sensor that may be present in the pressure adjustable platform system or present in an external fluid sensing and distributing apparatus. The pressure adjustable platform system may be operably connected to a fluid sensing and distributing apparatus. The base plate may contain one or more channels, tubes or conduits transmitting a fluid into or removing a fluid from a bladder. The connection plate such as a gasket plate may operably connect the fluid sensing and distributing apparatus to the pressure adjustable platform system.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is based upon and hereby claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/675,496, filed Jul. 25, 2012, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many different patient support systems and sleep platforms have been designed that utilize individual or group bladder control to support the sleeper. The health benefits and sleep benefits of reducing pressure points on the sleeper are well documented. To this end, the sleep platforms attempt to measure the force on a bladder, or a group of bladders, and reduce the pressure in the corresponding bladder(s) to effect pressure reductions in areas where high sleeper interface forces are detected.

Skinner et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,883,478 describe a patient support having real time pressure control. Each bladder in this support is subtended by a force sensor that is able to sense a force that is transmitted through the inflatable bladder. The apparatus uses the force sensors to determine position and movement of a person lying on the bladders so that the bladder air pressure can be adjusted to match the person's position and movement. The apparatus controls individual bladder sections with individual pneumatic valves

Bobey et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,698,765 describe a patient support having a plurality of vertical, inflatable bladders. The support system has an interior region that is defined by a top portion and bottom portion of a cover that define an interior region. Within the interior region can shaped bladders and force sensors are provided. The force sensors configured to measure pressure applied to one or more of the bladders. A separate sensor sheet is required to be external to the base and internal to the interior region that subtends the bladder region. Pressure transducers may be coupled to an individual bladder to measure the internal pressure of fluid within the bladder.

Gusakov, U.S. Pat. No. 5,237,501 describes an active mechanical patient support system that includes a plurality of actuator members that are controlled via a central processor. Associated with each actuator is a separate displacement transducer for determining the extension of the actuator. In addition, each actuator has a separate force sensor for determining the force on that actuator. A control means is provided to control the displacement of each actuator connected or integral to each actuator. In addition to individual force sensors associated with each individual actuator, a separate displacement transducer is utilized to determine the exact extension of each actuator member. This displacement transducer is required since the actuator is of a style that approximates a cylinder actuator. When loaded with a constant mass a cylinder actuator will maintain a constant subtended force measurement regardless of variations in the cylinder extension. Therefore, in order to determine the cylinder height, a displacement transducer is required.

Kramer et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,409,735 describe a cellular person support surface. The support surface is composed of a plurality of inflatable cells, each of which has an associated pressure sensor corresponding to one of the plurality of inflatable cells. At the same time, each inflatable cell has one associated driver corresponding to one of the plurality of inflatable cells that is capable of inflating and deflating the associated cell. The patent requires an individual pressure sensor, as well as an individual inflation and deflation driver for each cell, or group of cells, that is being controlled. In the case of this patent, the sensors and drivers are located within the internal walls of the associated cell.

All of the existing patient support systems and sleep platforms suffer from the high cost and complexity associated with requiring individual control means, displacement transducers, and force sensors for each actuator. To mitigate this cost and complexity, some of these existing patient support systems and sleep platforms propose distributing both the control means and sensing means over multiple bladders or actuators. This requires that the multiple bladders or actuators be fluid coupled to one another and have one fluid stream interconnected between the multiple bladders. This results in a decreased ability to control and sense small areas of the sleep surface. The effect is an increased granularity in both sense and control of the sleep surface. Furthermore, the control means for controlling each actuators displacement is both expensive and complex. The primary function of the subtended force sensors is to determine sleeper location and position, as well as absolute sleeper weight.

In all of the existing patient support systems and sleep platforms, a pressure sensor that subtends an actuator or bladder, or group of actuators or bladders, continues to read a constant force as long as the sleeper maintains his or her position. Some existing patient support systems and sleep platforms attempt to reduce the actuator pressure when a determination has been made, via the subtended force sensors, that the associated actuator or bladder is being subjected to forces above some established threshold force. By reducing fluid volume in the corresponding bladder, the height of that same bladder is also reduced. Once the fluid volume is reduced so that the corresponding height of the bladder is reduced to a level equal or below the surrounding bladders, the load on the bladder is partially or fully transferred to the surrounding bladders. This results in a pressure reduction on the sleeper from the above threshold bladder.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a pressure adjustable platform system and methods for adjusting the interface pressure between the support surface and an individual on the surface.

The present invention provides a pressure adjustable platform system. The platform system includes a plurality of bladders, a base plate, and a connection plate, such as, for instance, a gasket plate. A plurality of fluid channels are incorporated into the base plate, and the fluid channels interconnect the bladders to a sensor such as a pressure or force sensor that may be present in the pressure adjustable platform system or present in an external fluid sensing and distributing apparatus. The pressure adjustable platform system may be operably connected to a fluid sensing and distributing apparatus. The base plate may contain one or more channels, tubes or conduits transmitting a fluid into or removing a fluid from a bladder. The connection plate such as a gasket plate may operably connect the fluid sensing and distributing apparatus to the pressure adjustable platform system. In some instances, the connection plate and the distribution plate of an external fluid sensing and distributing apparatus may be the same plate so that the distribution plate serves also as a connection plate. In such instances, there may be no separate connection plate such as a gasket plate in the pressure adjustable platform system. The pressure adjustable platform system may be a mattress, a chair or a seated support system. The pressure adjustable platform system may further have a cover, one or more layers of padding such as foam padding, or a bladder top plate. The bladders may be encased in a mesh on the bottom portion or bellowed on the bottom portion. The base plate may have recessed slots that correspond to the individual bladder positions, and the base plate may contain a fill port for one or more bladders. Fluid channels, tubes or conduits may convey fluids between the fluid sensing and distributing apparatus and the bladders.

In some instances, the fluid channels, tubes or conduits function to conduct a fluid between the fluid sensing and distributing apparatus and the bladders. Also, one or more bladders may be attached to one another by an integral bladder base membrane. The sidewall of the bladders may adjoin or touch the sidewall of adjacent bladders. In many instances, a plurality of bladders are connected to one fluid sensing and distributing apparatus. The plurality of bladders may be operably linked to a central processing unit for controlling filling thereof, and the central processing unit may be capable of detecting or monitoring movement of an individual on the pressure adjustable platform system. In many instances, the pressure adjustable platform system according is capable of adjusting pressure within the plurality of bladders in real time response to movement of the individual on the pressure adjustable platform system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view with a cutaway showing the bladder assembly of a sense, react, and adapt sleep apparatus according to the invention.

FIG. 2A is an exploded front view of the sense, react, and adapt sleep apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is an exploded top perspective view of the sense, react, and adapt sleep apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2C is an exploded bottom perspective view of the sense, react, and adapt sleep apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a front view of one embodiment of a hybrid bladder utilizing a mesh on the bottom section.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the bladder in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional perspective view on line A-A of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3D is a front view of the bladder in FIG. 3 shown in an inflated form due to fluid inflation.

FIG. 4A is a front view of one embodiment of a hybrid bladder composed of a bellows bottom section.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the bladder in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional perspective view on line A-A of FIG. 4B.

FIG. 4D is a front view of the bladder in FIG. 4A shown in an inflated form due to fluid inflation.

FIG. 5 is a close-up of the cutaway section of FIG. 1 showing the bladders in a non-inflated state.

FIG. 6 is a close-up of the cutaway section of FIG. 1 showing the bladders in an inflated state.

FIG. 7 is a top view showing the bladder base plate showing the bladder rim recess channels.

FIG. 8A is a perspective bottom view of the bladder base plate showing the sense and supply channels.

FIG. 8B is an enlarged view from FIG. 8A showing the sense and supply channels for individual bladders.

FIG. 8C is an enlarged view from FIG. 8 showing the sense and supply channels that terminate at the interface plate for the FASB sensing and distribution ports.

FIG. 9 is a control block diagram.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a process that determines when someone has interfaced with the sleep system.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a process that reads the bladder pressures of the sleep system.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of a process that activates the fill and exhaust valves of the associated sleep system.

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of a process that tracks and records movement on the sleep surface.

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of a process that implements an adaptive sleep algorithm for the associated sleep apparatus.

FIG. 15 is a fluid schematic diagram showing the fluid paths of the pressure adjustable platform system in conjunction with a fluid sensing and distributing apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the present pressure adjustable platform system, each bladder is individually sensed, regulated, and controlled via a central processing unit. Besides the known benefits of reducing pressure points on a sleeper that can result in improved sleep and health benefits, the platform system can be configured to sense and store sleep data that can be used for future pressure sleep profiles that improve the sleeper's quality of sleep.

It is an object of the invention to incorporate the plumbing for each bladder into the body of the sleep system to minimize the need to plumb the system with individual tubes running to each individual bladder, and therefore reduce the complexity and associated cost of the plumbing while simultaneously increasing the reliability of the associated plumbing system.

An additional object of the invention is to reduce the complexity of the fluid distribution and sensing network between the sleep support and a single apparatus that incorporates both the multi-port fluid sensing, as well as the multi-port fluid distributing functions, an example of which is Codos, “Fluid Sensing and Distributing Apparatus” (FSDA), U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed ______, herein incorporated by reference. In some instances, the FSDA valve body is fastened directly into the sleep support base plate to eliminate any tubing interconnections between the sleep support and associated apparatus. This objective is achieved by matching the FSDA apparatus flat distribution plate on which the inlet and output ports are located to a matching port plate on the sleep support. Fluid connections are achieved by mating these two parts and using any one of known means for ensuring a leak-proof connection. In some instances, the distribution plate of the FSDA can be directly built into the sleep support base plate thereby serving effectively as a connection plate and thereby reducing the cost and complexity of the combined sleep support and associated apparatus. A further object of the invention is to affect or control a larger number of bladders that are proportional to larger sleep areas, without significantly increasing the fluid distribution and fluid sensing complexity and associated costs. By incorporating the fluid channels into the sleep support base plate, additional bladders are accompanied by additional corresponding fluid channels into the base plate without adding any additional fluid distribution components.

It is another object of the invention to reduce the number of components associated with sensing the pressure and displacement for each individual bladder. The requirement that pressure sensors subtend individual bladders or groups of bladders, or the need to provide a measuring sensor for each individual bladder increases the complexity and cost of a sleep system. The added complexity associated with the need for multiple pressure sensors and/or displacement transducers has the added effect of reducing the reliability of the sleep system. By providing a sensor that can be multiplexed to all of the sleep system bladders through an apparatus such as an FSDA apparatus, it is not necessary to provide a large number of sensors that subtend the bladders of the sleep support. An individual sensor may be multiplexed to read, for instance, about 25, 50, 100, 150 or so individual bladders. As a result, in some instances, three sensors may be used for sensing about 150 individual bladders on a sleep support. Bladders communicate with the multiplexed sensor through integrated fluid pathways.

It is another object of the invention to reduce the number of components required for inflating and deflating associated bladders. Providing an individual driver or actuator for each bladder or gang of bladders increases the complexity, cost, noise, size, and response time of a sleep system. The added complexity associated with the need for multiple actuators or drivers has the added effect of reducing the reliability of a sleep system. By utilizing an actuator that can be multiplexed to all of the sleep system bladders through an apparatus such as an FSDA apparatus, the need for a large number of actuators that communicate with each bladder for this invention is eliminated. An individual solenoid control valve may be multiplexed to fill and deflate approximately 25, 50, 100, or 150 or so individual bladders. As a result, three solenoid control valves that are used in conjunction with an FSDA apparatus are used for controlling for instance, about 150 individual bladders on the sleep support.

It is an additional object of the current invention to eliminate wiring between the bladders and the force sensors. At the same time, the wiring for the actuators needed to increase and decrease pressure to the individual bladders is also eliminated. Instead of wiring, bladders communicate with the multiplexed actuators and sensors through the integrated fluid pathways. A single fluid channel connects each bladder to the external fluid sensing and distributing apparatus and is the only conduit needed for sensing pressure in the bladder, providing fluid and exhausting fluid to the bladder.

It is another object of the invention to create a bladder that combines the characteristics of an extendable cylinder with the characteristics of an expandable bladder. An extendable and retractable cylinder maintains a constant internal pressure value regardless of its amount of extension for a given loaded mass. When subjected to a constant external load, an extendable and retractable cylinder transmits a force through a fluid channel connected to the cylinder that is proportional to the applied load. Reducing air in the cylinder only reduces the height of the cylinder without reducing the internal pressure. By contrast, when an expandable bladder is subjected to a constant external load, the bladder deforms in shape while transmitting only a small portion of the applied force through a fluid channel connected to the bladder. It is desirable to utilize a fluid coupled remote sensor to measure the force on a bladder in response to an applied load. A retractable cylinder style bladder achieves this result. It is also desirable to create a bladder that deforms so that it contacts adjoining bladders. This inter-bladder contact helps transfer loads to adjoining bladders while increasing lateral stability and decreasing lateral movement of the sleeper. An expandable bladder accomplishes this goal. It is therefore an object of this invention to combine these two bladder types into a single hybrid bladder.

Still another object of the present invention is to create a sleep support composed of bladders in which each bladder is individually sensed, regulated, and controlled via a central processing unit. Besides the known benefits of reducing pressure points on a sleeper that can result in improved sleep and health benefits, the sleep system can be configured to sense and store sleep data that can be used for future pressure sleep profiles that improve the sleeper's quality of sleep.

FIG. 1 depicts a pressure adjustable platform system 10 that includes a top cover 12. The cover 12 may be made of a knitted material, cotton, polyester fibers, or a woven or needle punched fabric, and the cover 12 may be quilted or not quilted. Below the cover 12 is a layer of foam padding 14. The foam padding 14 may be a polyurethane foam of medium density. Below the foam padding 14 is a sisal layer 16. A variety of other padding materials, other combinations of padding and insulating materials, and various cover materials and constructions may be used.

Below the padding 14 and cover 12 materials are provided hybrid pneumatic bladders with sidewalls 30 that are encased in a mesh 31 on the bottom portion of the bladder. The mesh 31 restricts a portion of the bladder from expanding outward by some limit when subjected to increasing internal air pressures. At the same time, the mesh 31 allows the same portion of the bladder to collapse upon itself As a result, this portion of the bladder transmits forces through a fluid conduit back to a pressure sensor when subjected to external loads. This may be similar to the manner in which a rigid wall pneumatic cylinder transmits forces through a fluid conduit when subjected to an external load.

The bladders are located on a base plate 24 that has recessed slots that correspond to the individual bladder positions. The individual bladders may be replaced by a group of bladders that are attached to one another by an integral bladder base membrane. This multiple bladder sheet may be molded as a single piece with the added benefit of reducing manufacturing costs associated with individual bladder construction. The base plate 24 may have recessed slots corresponding to the multiple bladder configurations. The bladder may have any suitable diameter allowing for an increased or decreased number of bladders for a given mattress size. The end result of a greater number of bladders is a mattress having a larger number of sense and control points therefore decreasing the granularity of the sense and react function and increasing the control over the sleep area.

The bladders may be secured to the base plate 24 by a bladder top plate 18, which clamps the bladder to the base plate 24 by clamping the bladders' flange to the base plate 24. The entire bladder assembly rests on a box top plate 22. The box top plate 22 serves to seal the fluid conduits that are part of the lower side of the base plate 24, as well as provide structural support for the entire bladder assembly. The box top plate 22 forms the top surface of the box assembly 20, which provides structural support for the entire sense, react, and adapt sleep apparatus, along with the associated sleepers.

FIG. 2A provides a front expanded view of the pressure adjustable platform system 10 of FIG. 1. In addition to those components visible in FIG. 1 is also a fluid sensing and distributing apparatus 28 described in Codos, “A Fluid Sensing and Distributing Apparatus,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed ______, hereby incorporated by reference. The fluid sensing and distributing apparatus 28 is fastened directly to the base plate 24 through a matching gasket plate 29. This direct connection of the fluid sensing and distributing apparatus 28 to the base plate 24 through the gasket plate 29 eliminates any tubing interconnections. The distribution plate of the fluid sensing and distributing apparatus 28 can be directly built into the base plate 24 thereby eliminating the need for a gasket plate 29. FIG. 2B provides an expanded top perspective view of FIG. 1. The bladder top plate 18 clamps the bladders to the base plate 24 by clamping the flange 33 on the bladder into the bladder locating slot 48 that is recessed into the base plate 24. FIG. 2C provides an expanded bottom perspective view of FIG. 1. Visible in this view is the bottom side of base plate 24 revealing the fluid channels 50 that convey fluid between the bladders and the fluid sensing and distributing apparatus 28.

FIG. 3A is a front view of the bladder 26 and mesh 31 described herein. The bladder may be made from a silicon rubber compound with a shore A hardness of for instance, about 10 A, 20 A, 30 A, 40 A, 50 A, etc. The bladder wall thickness may be about 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.5 or so inches, with about a 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 4.5, 4.75, 5.0 or 6.0 inch diameter and about a 2.0, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 or 5.0 inch height. The mesh may be made from a polyethylene plastic material approximately 1/16 inch in thickness. The mesh height may extend about 1.0, 1.25, or 1.50 or so inches from the top of the flange 33. The bladder's sidewall 30 is in its non-inflated state. This non-inflated state is defined as having an internal pressure in the bladder equal to, or less than, the external atmospheric pressure that is exerted upon the bladder. Bladder flange 33, which may be about 0.25, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8 or so inches wide and about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 or so inches thick, is an integral part of the bladder as is used to clamp the bladder to base plate 24 (FIG. 2A) thru the clamping action of bladder top plate 18 (FIG. 2A) as the top plate is mechanically connected, using any one of known means, to base plate 24 (FIG. 2A). These mechanical connection means may be, for instance, screw fasteners, clamp fasteners, or plastic welding of the two plates. Once the bladder flange 33 is clamped to the base plate 24 (FIG. 2A), it forms a fluid tight seal between the internal cavity 35 (FIG. 3C) of bladder 26 and base plate 24 (FIG. 2A).

FIG. 3B is a front perspective view of the bladder 26 showing line A-A. FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional perspective view on line A-A of FIG. 3B. A plastic insert 34 is provided to insure that the top surface 32 of the bladder is maintained in a flat orientation that is parallel to the bladder flange 33 when the bladder 26 is in its non-inflated state, or when the bladder is subjected to an internal fluid pressure that exceeds the external atmospheric pressure (inflated state). Maintaining the top surface 32 of the bladder parallel to the bladder flange 33 insures that forces exerted on an individual are distributed across the entire area of top surface 32. This insures that pressure points that could otherwise arise from a bulging upper bladder surface are not transmitted through to the individual. The plastic insert 34 may be made from, for instance, an Acetal Resin plastic that may be about 3/32″ thick. It may also be made from, for example, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic, nylon, polyvinyl chloride, or any plastic that is compatible with the silicon rubber of bladder 26 and stiff enough so as to not significantly deflect when subjected to the loaded internal pressures of the bladder. Internal cavity 35 is visible in this view.

FIG. 3D is a front view of the bladder in FIG. 3A shown in an inflated state due to increased internal fluid pressure. The internal fluid pressure is greater than the external atmospheric pressure causing the bladder's sidewall 30 to bulge outward. An increased internal fluid pressure can be the result of an external load applied to top surface 32, or can be the result of the cpu, via the fluid sensing and distributing apparatus 28, directing a higher fluid pressure into the respective bladder 26. The mesh 31 provides the area that it encircles, with resistance to tangential forces that result from the internal cavity 35 (FIG. 3C) having an internal fluid pressure greater than the external atmospheric pressure. When the bladder is in an inflated state due to increased internal fluid pressure, mesh 31 underlining the portion of sidewall 30 maintains a perpendicular orientation to flange 33. When top surface 32 is subjected to external forces, side wall 30 above the mesh bulges outward in direct response to rising internal fluid pressures in the internal cavity 35 (FIG. 3C). At the same time, top surface 32 moves closer to flange 33 while remaining substantially parallel to flange 33. At some loaded pressure, the portion of side wall 30 that lies under the mesh 31 begins to buckle upon itself allowing upper surface 32 to further collapse towards flange 33 without additional bulging of sidewall 30 that lies above the mesh 31. This buckling action transmits pressure forces, above atmospheric pressure and commensurate with the external force pressure, through a fluid conduit back to a pressure sensor.

FIG. 4A is a front view of an alternative bladder 306 having a bellows bottom section 300. The bladder functions similar to the bladder 26 of FIG. 3A but does not have the mesh 31 of the bladder 26 of FIG. 3A. Instead of a mesh to constrain the bladder sidewall, a bellows bottom section 300 collapses upon itself when the bladder 306 is subjected to an external force threshold level through a top plate 304. The bladder may be made, for instance, from a silicon rubber compound with a shore A hardness of, for instance, 10 A, 20 A, 30 A, 40 A, 50 A, etc. The bladder wall thickness may be about 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.5 or so inches, with about a 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 4.5, 4.75, 5.0 or 6.0 inch diameter and about a 2.0, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 or 5.0 inch height. The bellows 300 is configured such that adjacent corrugated folds are at approximately 90 degrees to one another and plus or minus 45 degrees from vertical, the vertical plane being coincident with sidewall 302 and perpendicular to flange 303. The bellows height extends about, for instance, 1.25 inches from the top of the flange 303. The bladder's sidewall 302 is in its previously defined non-inflated state. Bladder flange 303, which may be about 0.25, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8 or so inches wide and about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 or so inches thick, is an integral part of the bladder that is used to clamp the bladder to the base plate 24 (FIG. 2A) through the clamping action of bladder top plate 18 (FIG. 2A) as the top plate is mechanically connected, using any one of known means, to the base plate 24 (FIG. 2A). In another configuration the angular relationship of the corrugated folds to one another can be other than 90 degrees.

FIG. 4B is a front perspective view of the bladder in FIG. 4A. A cut line A-A is shown.

FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional perspective view on line A-A of FIG. 4B. Plastic insert 308 is provided to insure that the top surface 304 of the bladder is maintained in a flat orientation that is parallel to the bladder flange 303 when the bladder 306 is in its non-inflated state, or when the bladder is subjected to an internal fluid pressure that exceeds the external atmospheric pressure (inflated state). Maintaining the top surface 304 of the bladder parallel to the bladder flange 303 insures that forces exerted on the sleeper are distributed across the entire area of top surface 304. This insures that pressure points that could otherwise arise from a bulging upper bladder surface are not transmitted through to a sleeper. Plastic insert 308 may be made from an Acetal Resin plastic and about, for instance, 3/32″ thick. The plastic insert 308 may also be formed of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic, nylon, polyvinyl chloride, or any plastic that is compatible with the bladder 306 and stiff enough to not significantly deflect when subjected to the loaded internal pressures of the bladder. Internal cavity 305 is visible.

FIG. 4D is a front view of the bladder in FIG. 4A shown in an inflated state due to increased internal fluid pressure. The internal fluid pressure is greater than the external atmospheric pressure causing the bladder's sidewall 302 to bulge outward. An increased internal fluid pressure can be the result of an external load applied to top surface 304, or can be the result of cpu via a fluid sensing and distributing apparatus 28, directing a higher fluid pressure into the respective bladder. The bellows 300 provides that the distance, for instance, 1.00, or 1.25 or 1.50 or so inches, as measured from the top of the flange 303, with resistance to tangential forces that results from the internal cavity 305 (FIG. 4C) having an internal fluid pressure greater than the external atmospheric pressure. When the bladder is in an inflated state due to increased internal fluid pressure, bellows 300 maintains a perpendicular orientation to flange 303. When top surface 304 is subjected to external forces, side wall 302 bulges outward in response to rising internal fluid pressures in the internal cavity 305 (FIG. 4C). At the same time, top surface 304 moves closer to flange 303 while remaining substantially parallel to flange 303. At some loaded pressure, bellows 300 starts to collapse allowing upper surface 304 to further collapse towards flange 303 without additional bulging of sidewall 302. This buckling action transmits pressure forces, above atmospheric pressure and commensurate with the external force pressure, through a fluid conduit back to a pressure sensor such as a pressure sensor present in a fluid sensing and distributing apparatus 28.

FIG. 5 is a close-up of the cutaway section of FIG. 1 showing the bladders in a non-inflated state. This non-inflated state is defined as having an internal pressure in the bladder equal to, or less than, the external atmospheric pressure that is exerted upon the bladder. The bladder 26 represented in FIG. 1, and this view, is the bladder 26 with mesh represented in FIG. 3A. The bladder's sidewall 30 is substantially perpendicular to the bladder top plate 18. When the bladders 26 are in a non-inflated state an air gap exists between adjacent bladders 26. The air gap may be, for instance, about ¾ inch, 1 inch, or 1¼ inch or so as measured between adjacent bladder's sidewalls 30. Each bladder's sidewall 30 is in a parallel orientation to the adjacent bladder's sidewall 30.

FIG. 6 is a close-up of the cutaway section of FIG. 1 showing the bladders in an inflated state. This inflated state is defined as having an internal pressure in the bladder greater than the external atmospheric pressure that is exerted upon the bladder. When the bladders 26 are in an inflated state, the bladder's sidewall 30 bulges outward in a direction parallel to the plane of bladder top plate 18, and tangential to the original sidewall 30 orientation shown in FIG. 5. As the internal pressure in the bladder increases, the extent of the bulge also increases resulting in a decreased air gap between adjacent bladder sidewalls 30. The air gap continues to decrease as the internal pressure increases up to the point where sidewall 30 comes into contact with an adjacent bladder's sidewall 30. At this point the bladder sidewall 30 may continue to expand in an asymmetric manner as it continues to expand in areas not constrained by adjacent bladder sidewalls. One of the effects of having the bladder's sidewall 30 in contact with an adjacent bladder's sidewall 30 is to provide lateral support to the bladder. An additional effect is that some external forces acting upon a bladder are partially transferred to adjacent bladders.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the bladder base plate 24 with the bladder rim recess channels 48 visible. Bladder fill port 52 is visible in the center portion of each bladder location. Bladder rim channel 48 is used to locate the individual bladders as well as provide a recessed channel into which bladder flange 33 (FIG. 3A) fits. The channels may be, for instance 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 or so inches deep with a width of, for instance, about 0.25, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.51, 0.6, 0.7 or so inches.

FIG. 8A is a perspective bottom view of the bladder base plate 24. FIG. 8C indicates where the fluid sensing and distributing apparatus 28 (FIG. 2A) is connected directly into the base plate 24 through gasket plate 29 (FIG. 2) eliminating any tubing interconnections with the fluid sensing and distributing apparatus 28 (FIG. 2A). The fluid channels 50 convey fluids between the fluid sensing and distributing apparatus 28 (FIG. 2A) and the bladders 26 (FIG. 3A).

FIG. 8B is an enlarged view showing the sense and supply channels 50 for individual bladders 26. The bladder fill ports 52 convey fluid from the supply channel to the bladder that is located on the opposite side of the bladder base plate 24. The bladder supply channels may be, for instance, about 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, or 0.20 inches deep by about, for instance, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, or 0.20 inches wide while the bladder fill port 52 may be about 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, or 0.20 inches in diameter.

FIG. 8C is an enlarged view showing the sense and supply channels from the fluid sensing and distributing apparatus 28 (FIG. 2A) that terminate at the gasket plate 29 (FIG. 2)A. The interface port 54 hole pattern and hole size matches the hole pattern and hole size in the fluid sensing and distributing apparatus 28 (FIG. 2A) distribution plate through a matching hole pattern in the gasket plate 29 (FIG. 2A).

FIG. 9 is a control block diagram demonstrating operation of the pressure adjustable platform system. A main central processing unit (CPU) 402 communicates with the user via a touch display 404. Programs and data are stored in the main memory 400. The associated fluid sensing and distributing apparatus 28 (FIG. 2A) is regulated by an encoder 406 as well as a motor 412 that is controlled through drive electronics 408. A separate central processing unit CPU 414 is used to directly control the filling, exhaust, and sensing functions of the bladders 26. This CPU has its own memory 410 for storing programs and various bladder control tables. Both the main CPU 402 as well as the valve and pressure sensor CPU 414 can directly communicate with one another. Pressure sensing of the bladders is accomplished via sensors 416, 418, and 420, the choice of sensor is dependent on the location of the bladder. Distribution valves 422, 424, and 426 are used for filling, or adding pressure, into the respective bladders 26. Exhaust valves 427, 428, and 429 are used to exhaust, or remove air, from their respective bladders 26. The choice of the exact distribution or exhaust valve depends upon the location of the bladder.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a process that determines when an individual has interfaced with the sense, react and adapt sleep apparatus. The apparatus is started in step 200. The bladder pressures are read in step 202 and compared to non-loaded base values in step 204. When an individual is lying on the sleep apparatus, the sensed pressures are above their base values. Once the pressures are determined to be above their base values, an analysis is made in step 206 to determine whether the present pressure profile matches an existing sleeper pressure profile in the sleeper database. If it is determined that the present pressure profile matches an existing sleeper pressure profile in the sleeper database, the existing pressure profile curve is retrieved in step 214. If the present pressure profile does not match an existing sleeper pressure profile in the sleeper database, then the sleeper is queried in step 208 and the resultant input data is stored in this new sleeper's profile in step 210. Since no existing pressure profile curve exists for this sleeper, a determination is made in step 212 to choose the best fit pressure profile curve for the new sleeper. The process now branches into reading the bladder pressures “A” FIG. 11, adjusting the bladder pressures “B” FIG. 12 (branch from “A” FIG. 11), while recording sleeper data “C” FIG. 13. While the aforementioned process is ongoing, the process continues to monitor and analyze bladder pressures in steps 218 and 220 to determine if the sleeper has left the sleep surface. The process branches to a sleep adaptation process designed to improve sleep “D” FIG. 14 once the sleeper has left the sleep surface at the end of defined sleep threshold time period.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a process that reads the bladder pressures of the pressure adjustable platform system. A non-loaded basis pressure value is inserted into the valve fill table in step 132. The motor that drives the fluid sensing and distributing apparatus 28 (FIG. 2A) is turned on in step 134. The fluid sensing and distributing apparatus 28 (FIG. 2A) valve position is initialized in step 136. At this point the process to read bladders 26 enters into a continuous reading loop. At the same time, the process branches to another process “B” that is the process that activates the fill and exhaust valves and is depicted in FIG. 12. The encoder is read in step 138 to determine if the fluid sensing and distributing apparatus' 28 (FIG. 2A) valve position corresponds to a port sensor location in step 140. Once the location is reached, the corresponding bladder 26 pressure is read in step 142. The pressure reading is stored in step 144 and a new pressure value set point for the corresponding bladder is calculated based upon the profile curve for the sleeper in step 146. The new calculated pressure set point is compared to the old pressure set point in step 152 and a value corresponding to fill (value=1), exhaust (value=−1), or no action (value=0) is entered into the port fill status table in steps 150, 154, or 156. Additionally, the new pressure set point is entered into valve fill table in step 158, the port sensor table index is incremented to the next bladder in step 148, and the encoder value is reread in a loop in step 138.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of a process that activates the fill and exhaust valves of the associated pressure adjustable platform system. The encoder is read in step 162 to determine if the fluid sensing and distributing apparatus 28 (FIG. 2A) valve position corresponds to a port fill location in step 166. Once the location is reached, the fill flag for this port location is checked to determine if the bladder associated with this port requires an increase in pressure or fill (value=1, fill valve turned on in step 170), a decrease in pressure or exhaust (value=−1, exhaust valve turned on in step 171), or no action (value=0, increment port fill table index in step 164). If either the fill valve or exhaust valve is turned on, then the encoder is read in step 172 until its location matches the location where the valve needs to be turned off, analysis that occurs in step 174. Steps 176 and 177 follow and respectively turn off the fill and exhaust valves. Once the valves are turned off, the port fill table index is incremented in step 164 followed by a rereading of the encoder value in step 162 and the process repeats at the beginning of its loop.

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of a process that tracks and records movement on the pressure adjustable platform system surface. A temporary sleep pressure table that contains the individual pressure reading of each bladder is constructed in step 181. A timer is read in step 182 and allowed to advance for a period of time, such as, for instance 5 seconds, in step 184. At this point, in step 186, the current sleep pressure table is compared to the old, for instance 5 second old temp sleep pressure table. Step 188 compares the individually corresponding values in the two tables. If less than, for instance, 5 individual data points deviate by greater than, for instance, 10% then no action is taken and the process loops back to the start in step 181. If between, for instance, 5-10 individual data points deviate by greater than about 10% than a “toss” is considered to have occurred and the event is entered into the position table in step 190 and the entire process loops back to the start in step 181. If greater than about 10 individual data points deviate by greater than about 10%, then a major “turn” is considered to have occurred. At this point in step 192 an image recognition algorithm is used to compare the current position to a sleep position image database to determine a current sleep position match within the database. Once the match or closest fit is determined the position and event are entered into the position table in step 194 and the entire process loops back to the start in step 181.

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of a process that implements an adaptive sleep process algorithm for the associated pressure adjustable platform system. This process is initiated once a sleeper has left the sleep surface FIG. 10 “D.” Step 261 determines if a sleep threshold time period was exceeded in order to determine if sleep was temporarily interrupted and the sleeper is due to return to the sleep surface. If the sleep interruption is temporary, the process is returned to a process return point FIG. 10 “E.” If the sleeper has concluded his or her sleep period, then the sleep stop time is saved in step 262. All sleep positions as well as all recorded tosses and turns are stored in the sleeper profile in step 264. Once the sleeper has concluded his or her sleep period, the sleeper is queried regarding his or her subjective assessment of the quality of sleep in step 266 with the query results stored in the sleeper profile in step 268. If the sleeper does not respond to the query than the subjective sleep assessment is bypassed. In step 270 the adaptive sleep algorithm is run taking into account tosses, turns, sleep assessment, past sleep patterns, and other factors. The result is a new adapted sleeper profile curve. Step 272 stores the resultant curve and data in the sleeper's profile. Finally, the sleep apparatus and associated process threads are stopped and turned off in step 274.

Referring to FIG. 15, a fluid schematic diagram showing the fluid paths of the platform in conjunction with a fluid sensing and distributing apparatus is provided. An outside apparatus, object or device (such as the fluid sensing and distribution device described in Codos, “A Fluid Sensing and Distributing Apparatus,” copending U.S. application Ser. No. ______, filed ______) 28 is connected to the pressure adjustable platform system via a single fluid channel 50. A compressor 440 supplies air to the fluid sensing and distributing apparatus 28 through three solenoid valves 422, 424, and 426, depending on which bladder 26 is calling for pressure. Air is exhausted from the bladder 26 to atmosphere from the fluid sensing and distributing apparatus 28 through three solenoid valves 427, 428, and 429, depending on which bladder 26 requires release of air pressure.

The detailed description is representative of one or more embodiments of the invention, and additional modifications and additions to these embodiments are readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and additions are intended to be included within the scope of the claims. One skilled in the art may make many variations, combinations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A pressure adjustable platform system comprising a plurality of bladders, a base plate, a plurality of fluid channels wherein the fluid channels connect the bladders to an external sensor, and a connection plate.
 2. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1 is operably connected to a fluid sensing and distributing apparatus.
 3. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1 is operably connected to a fluid sensing and distributing apparatus via the connection plate.
 4. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 3 wherein the connection plate is a gasket plate.
 5. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1 which forms a part of a mattress, a chair or a seated support system.
 6. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1 further comprising a cover.
 7. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1 further comprising one or more layers of padding.
 8. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1 further comprising a bladder top plate.
 9. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1 wherein the bladders are encased in a mesh in a bottom portion.
 10. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1 wherein the bladders are bellowed in a bottom portion.
 11. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1 wherein the base plate has recessed slots corresponding to individual bladder positions.
 12. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1 wherein the base plate contains a fill port for one or more bladders.
 13. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1 wherein the fluid channels, tubes or conduits function to conduct a fluid between the fluid sensing and distributing apparatus and the bladders.
 14. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1 wherein one or more bladders are attached to one another by an integral bladder base membrane.
 15. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1 wherein a sidewall of a plurality of bladders adjoins or touches a sidewall of another bladder.
 16. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1 wherein the sensor is a pressure or force sensor.
 17. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1 wherein a plurality of bladders are connected to one fluid sensing and distributing apparatus.
 18. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of bladders are operably linked to a central processing unit for controlling filling thereof.
 19. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 18 wherein the central processing unit is capable of detecting or monitoring movement of an individual on the pressure adjustable platform system.
 20. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 18 capable of adjusting pressure within the plurality of bladders in real time response to movement of the individual on the pressure adjustable platform system.
 21. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of fluid channels are present in the base plate.
 22. A pressure adjustable platform system comprising a plurality of bladders, a base plate, a plurality of fluid channels wherein the fluid channels connect the bladders to a fluid sensing and distributing apparatus having an external sensor, and a connection plate.
 23. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22 wherein the connection plate is a gasket plate.
 24. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22 which forms a part of a mattress, a chair or a seated support system.
 25. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22 further comprising a cover.
 26. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22 further comprising one or more layers of padding.
 27. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22 further comprising a bladder top plate.
 28. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22 wherein the bladders are encased in a mesh in a bottom portion.
 29. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22 wherein the bladders are bellowed in a bottom portion.
 30. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22 wherein the base plate has recessed slots corresponding to individual bladder positions.
 31. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22 wherein the base plate contains a fill port for one or more bladders.
 32. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22 wherein the fluid channels, tubes or conduits function to conduct a fluid between the fluid sensing and distributing apparatus and the bladders.
 33. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22 wherein one or more bladders are attached to one another by an integral bladder base membrane.
 34. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22 wherein a sidewall of a plurality of bladders adjoins or touches a sidewall of another bladder.
 35. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 21 wherein the sensor is a pressure or force sensor.
 36. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22 wherein a plurality of bladders are connected to one fluid sensing and distributing apparatus.
 37. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22 wherein the plurality of bladders are operably linked to a central processing unit for controlling filling thereof.
 38. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 37 wherein the central processing unit is capable of detecting or monitoring movement of an individual on the pressure adjustable platform system.
 39. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 37 capable of adjusting pressure within the plurality of bladders in real time response to movement of the individual on the pressure adjustable platform system.
 40. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22 wherein the plurality of fluid channels are present in the base plate. 